Being honest when applying for EOI you know you don’t want?
An EOI has come up in my area for a temp G6 post. I’m a G7. I don’t want it, but the Vacancy Holder has suggested I apply. There’s a couple of others I know are actually interested, but I’m told I’m the only one he’s “encouraged” to apply (I believe it, but obviously don’t know it’s definitely true, everyone could have been told that).
I think the sift/interview experience and feedback would be really good, even it’s a bit “informal”… but my worry is the optics if I do get it and then turn it down: there’s other viable candidates so I’d have just wasted people’s time by going through a process for a role I never intended to take, and whoever the second choice is would (I assume?) know they weren’t first choice. I can’t imagine me saying “I know I expressed interest, but I’m not actually interested, just wanted the experience” would go down particularly well. For lower grades, I’ve never thought this mattered massively because there are loads of applicants, roles and it happens all the time… but think they’d expect a bit more commitment/certainty at G6. I really like my current area and would quite like to stay here long term, but applying and withdrawing just looks flaky and I don’t think paints me particularly well for other future opportunities.
Anyone been in this position before? Worth me applying anyway, getting the experience and hoping it goes to someone else, and just cross the bridge later if I have to think of an excuse? Be upfront from the outset that I just want the sift/interview experience? Or am I overthinking and if I got it and then turned it down, nothing would be thought of it?